Weakening Fay Soaks Florida

Feared hurricane fails to develop, but state warns of flood, tornado danger
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 19, 2008 8:20 AM CDT
Weakening Fay Soaks Florida
A satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made at 12:15 a.m. EDT Tuesday Aug. 19, 2008, shows Tropical Storm Fay as it approaches the west coast of Florida.    (AP Photo/NOAA)

Tropical Storm Fay made landfall in southwestern Florida early this morning but did not develop into a hurricane as feared, the Miami Herald reports. Heavy rain and 60mph winds have hit the state, but Fay is expected weaken as it moves inland. Officials warn that the storm could spawn flooding and tornadoes, and storm tides 5 feet above average were predicted.

Many Floridians who have ridden out major hurricanes seemed little fazed by Fay, but authorities warned against complacency. "I've seen as many people die when I have a blob-shaped asymmetrical storm that they dismiss as not being very dangerous," Florida's emergency management chief told the AP.
(More Tropical Storm Fay stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X